Category: The Newsletter

May 2018 Newsletter

April Bestsellers

1. A Higher Loyalty by James Comey
2. Forgiveness by Mark Sakamoto
3. Lost Ottawa by David McGee
4. Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
5. Marinating in Murder by Linda Wiken
6. Tangerine by Christine Mangan
7. Back to Beer…and Hockey by Helen Antoniou
8. Master of Persuasion by Fen Hampson
9. The Temptation of Forgiveness by Donna Leon
10. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

Greetings Book Lovers!

Is it spring? Has it finally arrived? It’s still a little hard to tell, but it looks like we might be in the clear now. Maybe we should go knock on wood, just in case. Well, working on the assumption that we have finally switched seasons, it must be time to start thinking about all that summer reading we’re all going to get done. Just as a friendly suggestion, if this year is the one you’ve chosen to finally get through Ulysses by James Joyce, you might want to get cracking because there are lots of other great books coming into the store that you’ll certainly want to sink your teeth into before the cool autumnal breezes make their triumphant return.

Well before that happens though (we hope) we are so happy to be hosting our first Titles@Table40 dinner of 2018! On Sunday, June 3, local political writer and university professor Fen Osler Hampson will be joining us at our favourite local restaurant to talk about his brand new book Master of Persuasion: Brian Mulroney’s Global Legacy. We’re so excited to have Fen joining us and are looking forward to welcoming you all to our first evening of great books and delicious food of the season!

If you’re new to our Titles@Table40 series or need a bit of a refresher, here’s a brief outline of how things work. The evening starts at 5:30pm with dinner, followed by the author presentation and book signing. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the bookstore. The non-refundable cost is $60.00which includes the cost of the meal (a set menu of three courses with a vegetarian option), tax and tip. All beverages are extra and will be charged at the end of the evening. The Fraser Cafe can accommodate all
special dietary needs if informed in advance. Tickets are now on sale, so be sure to call or visit us to get yours soon – they tend to go quickly and we do only have a limited amount of space in the restaurant.

Another local author who will be paying us a visit this month to sell copies of his new novel is Manor Park resident David Goldfield. After the great success of his official launch last month, David will be here in the store on Saturday, May 19 from 11:00am to 3:00pm to sign copies of Into the Volcano – a thriller set in Latin America which is full of murder, greed, and corruption. Inspired by true events, this edge-of-your-seat read is definitely worth a look, so be sure to come down to meet David, buy a book, and get it signed!

Excited doesn’t begin to describe how we’re feeling about the recent arrival of new novels by some of our favourite historical fiction writers. After waiting for two and half excruciating years, we finally have another novel by Paula McLainto enjoy and devour. Love and Ruin returns readers to the world of Ernest Hemingway and his wives as we follow the story of Martha Gellhorn, Hemingway’s third wife, a fiercely independent woman who went on to become one of the greatest war correspondents of the 20th Century. Set against a backdrop of political conflict and national wars, this passionate love story comes to a head when Martha and Ernest find themselves at a life-changing crossroads with no idea which path they should take. Susanna Kearsley is a staff favourite here at the store, and a new release from her is always greeted with great cheers…and sometimes dancing. Gently picking up a story thread from her last novel, A Desperate Fortune, Bellewether features museum curator Charley Van Hoek in her new position at the Wilde House Museum in Long Island. While coming up against trifling protestations from a very determined museum board left, right, and centre, Charley finds herself falling deeper into local legends when she comes across evidence of French Canadian soldiers having been billeted in Wilde House in the mid-18th Century. Switching back and forth between Charley’s story and that of Lydia Wilde set in 1759, Kearsley delivers yet another wonderful novel that will make readers fall in love with history as only she can.

Described as “vintage Margaret Atwood meets Patricia Highsmith”, The Honey Farm by Harriet Alida Lye is a captivating novel that will carry you away on a wave of beautiful writing and intriguing incidents. Set on a seemingly idyllic honey farm, boarders Silvia and Ibrahim soon come to realize that what they thought would be an inspirational, relaxing retreat – the perfect place to nurture their artistic pursuits – is not all that it seems. Full of dark secrets, paralyzing doubts, and one shocking conclusion, this debut novel will knock your socks off! Beloved author Ngaio Marsh may have passed away over thirty years ago, but her gripping mystery stories continue to live on. With the help of author Stella Duffy, Roderick Alleyn is now back with a brand new story to tell and an intriguing mystery to solve. Money in the Morgue is a novel started by Marsh during World War II and finished by Stella Duffy in a style so true to its creator, it reads like any of the classic Roderick Alleyn mysteries. Featuring a group of quarantined soldiers, an employee love triangle, a treacherous storm, and a hospital without power, it’s no wonder that the death toll begins to rise!

It’s impossible for us to let a month go by without highlighting some kind of book-related book that’s found a home on our shelves, and My Life With Bob by Pamela Paul is the one that’s captured our attention this time around! Imagine having kept a record of all the books you’ve ever read from childhood on up? Well, Pamela Paul has done just that. From her days reading books like Sweet Valley High through to Anna Karenina and Catch-22, Pamela has carried Bob (her Book of Books) with her from school to school, job to job, and apartment to house, and in this new book, she explores the deep and meaningful relationship between book and reader and how each one affects the other. This is a truly unique book that we can all relate to, whether we have a Bob of our own or not.

During the course of our days, we don’t get to spend nearly as much time in the children’s section as we would like. When we do get the chance to pop back there though, we always manage to find some lovely new stories that we can’t wait to share. Here, George! by Sandra Boynton is an adorable new board book from an author who is arguable the Queen of the children’s book. Illustrator George Booth helps Boynton bring to life the story of George, a sweet dog who likes to sit and sleep. One day, when his owners go out, George discovers that there’s something he might like even more than sitting and sleeping…dancing! Be prepared to read it more than once though, because George the dog is going to appeal to your little ones just as much as Boynton’s cows, pigs, frogs, and chickens! Just as silly and funny as its predecessor Mustache Baby, Bridget Heos‘ new board book, Mustache Baby Meets His Match, is full of hilarious scenarios which send Mustache Baby and Beard Baby through the imaginative worlds of the Wild West, the wrestling ring, a pirate ship, and many more as they try to reconcile their differences and become friends. In a world full of cute concept books, Contrary Dogs by Elo is right up there at the top of our list. With very simple words and illustrations, this book’s winning feature is the flaps that lift up, down, and to the side to alter each image from one thing to its opposite. Full of wonderful colours and patterns, every child will be able to glean something from this thoroughly appealing book.

Arguably the most sought-after author in our children’s section, Rick Riordannever seems to take a break – much to the delight of our younger customers! His most recent offering is The Burning Maze, the third book in the Trials of Apollo series. This new adventure finds awkward teenager Lester (formerly the glorious god Apollo) on a mission to retain his place on Mount Olympus all while being stuck baby-sitting Demeter’s daughter Meg, not something he’s overly thrilled about. If nothing else, that fact alone with ring true with any Riordan fans who have younger siblings. Missing Mike by Shari Green is a heart-wrenching story about the love of a girl for her dog and the extraordinary circumstances that come between them. When her town is evacuated because of a forest fire, Cara’s dog Mike gets nervous and runs off, so she and her family are forced to leave without him. Once the stress of outrunning the fire has passed, Cara begins to think about what bits of her life might be left when they’re allowed to return home, and she can’t stop thinking about Mike. As she tries to settle into her new (if temporary) situation, Cara’s idea of home begins to change, but her love and devotion to Mike remains – she will do whatever it takes to find him, even if it means heading back home on her own.

As usual, it’s impossible to talk about all the books we love in these few paragraphs, so here’s a list of some of the other recent and upcoming releases that we’re excited about reading: Warlight by Michael Ondaatje; Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian; Pudding’ by Julie Murphy; The Perfectionists by Simon Winchester; Robin by Dave Itzkoff (May 15); A French Wedding by Hannah Tunnicliffe (May 15); Less by Andrew Sean Greer (Pulitzer Prize Winner Fiction – May 22); Once and For All by Sarah Dessen (May 22); The House Swap by Rebecca Fleet (May 22); I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You by David Chariandy (May 29); Save the Date by Morgan Matson (June 5); Chasing the Wind by C.C. Humphreys (June 5); Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe by Preston Norton (June 5).

It’s hard to believe that spring is finally here, but really, spring or no spring, it’s never too early to start thinking about your summer reading list (or your spring one for that matter)! So, whether you’re looking for books for yourself, as gifts, or for your kids, there are lots to choose from on our store shelves. Still having trouble deciding what you want? Don’t hesitate to ask us for advice – our staff are always more than happy to help you narrow down your options!

Happy Shopping and Happy Reading!

— The Staff of Books on Beechwood

On My Shelf

Staff Member: Hilary
What I’m Reading: Circe by Madeline Miller
“On their own, the Greek myths are some of the most colourful and intriguing stories in our world. And when those stories are put into the hands of a gifted writer, they are given an unforgettable second life.
In this novel of Circe, a daughter of the Titan Helios, the ancient Greek world unfurls before us with bright streaks of light, salty ocean spray, and cruel twists of fate like only the Greek gods can do. I haven’t been able to put it down since I started reading it!”

April 2018 Newsletter

March Bestsellers

1. The Light-Keeper’s Daughters by Jean E. Pendziwol
2. Forgiveness by Mark Sakamoto
3. The Boat People by Sharon Bala
4. My Italian Bulldozer by Alexander McCall Smith
5. 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson
6. Trumpocracy by David Frum
7. Precious Cargo by Craig Davidson
8. Dog Man and Cat Kid by Dav Pilkey
9. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
10. Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

Greetings Book Lovers!

With the cold wind and sporadic snow flurries happening outside, it’s hard to believe we just celebrated Easter – a holiday that calls to mind images of baby animals, green grass, and new growth. However, the calendar doesn’t lie and April really is here. So, while there may not be buds on our trees or flowers poking exploratory shoots out of the ground, we’re well on our way to those treasured days when we can read out in the garden, and maybe even fall asleep in our favourite hammock…with our book on our face, of course!

Thankfully, book releases are never affected by unseasonable weather, so despite it not being spring-like outside, all the lovely new spring books are still arriving here in the store and there’s quite a bit to be excited about. Picking up the plot threads from his intriguing and mysterious novel about London’s Great Fire, The Ashes of London, Andrew Taylor has penned us another treasure in The Fire Court. Set right on the heels of its predecessor, this new story finds Cat Lovett and James Marwood working together yet again to solve another mysterious crime as the newly appointed Fire Court attempts to get to the bottom of the Great Fire itself. The Good Liar by Catherine McKenzie (a favourite author of ours) is a new thriller that we just can’t get enough of! Centred around a devastating explosion and an unlikely reunion, this novel is full of suspicious characters, dangerous secrets, and well-crafted lies that will keep you guessing (and reading) well into the night.

A true booklover’s book, Liam Callahan‘s Paris by the Book is a charming story about family, books, and Paris. With a bit of mystery sprinkled throughout, the only thing better might be an actual trip to Paris! (N.B. “Actual trip to Paris” sold separately.) If ancient Greece is more your speed, then Circe by Madeline Miller is the book for you! After the enormous success of her debut novel, The Song of Achilles (it won the 2012 Orange Prize for Fiction), fans have been eagerly awaiting this return to the birthplace of myth and magic. As a reimagining of the life of Circe, the formidable sorceress from Homer‘s The Odyssey, this novel sets its roots in the powerful and dangerous halls of the Greek Gods and introduces readers to the amazing and intoxicating life of a powerful woman trying to find her place in a world ruled by men and monsters set on her destruction. Marinating in Murder by local mystery author Linda Wiken is the third book in her charming Dinner Club Mystery series. When your dinner club is planning a picnic, finding a dead body in the back of an SUV is the last thing you expect – especially when that body belongs to the ex-husband of a police officer. Not only can you buy a copy of this great book in the store now and find out whodunnit, but on Sunday, April 15, you can meet the author! Linda will be here between 3:00pm and 5:00pm to chat and sign copies of her new book, as well as books from her previous series The Ashton Corners Book Club.

While spring is not a traditionally busy time of year for non-fiction releases, there are still lots of gems to be had for book lovers who prefer having a little more realism on their nightstands. Arguably one of the most influential and successful kings in history, Alexander the Great, during his short, war-filled life, amassed an incredible fortune of jewels, gold, land, and slaves, all while changing the face of the world in incredible ways. In The Treasures of Alexander the Great by Frank L. Holt, readers will explore Alexander’s life and times through these spoils of war that he collected while creating one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen. Welsh Classical historian, Adrian Goldsworthy introduces us to a famous relic of another great ancient empire in his new book Hadrian’s Wall. Built by the Romans in the fifth century, there are just as many mysteries about this eighty mile long wall as there are facts. Was it really meant to keep the Pictish people in the North where they belonged? What would life have been like for a Roman soldier posted in one of the forts along the wall? Goldsworthy endeavours to answer these questions, and many more, in this archaeological investigation to unravel fact from the legends sealing the very stones on this fascinating ruin from Britain’s colourful past.

Never one to be left behind, our children’s section has also welcomed some great new additions to its shelves recently. For the little ones, Bark Park! by Trudy Krisner is an adorable book about all the fun our canine friends can have – and the trouble they can get into – when they visit the park. David Miles‘ story Unicorn (and Horse) explores ideas of friendship and celebrates the ways in which we’re different as well as the ones in which we’re the same. Unicorn has a glorious mane, perfect teeth, and eats cupcakes for breakfast…Horse does not. Though Horse might be a bit jealous of all the things that Unicorn has, when his horned companion gets kidnapped in the middle of the night, Horse is the only one who can save him. This story is great for any kids who loved A Horse Named Steve by Kelly Collier and Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima. A Couch for Llama by Leah Gilbert is destined to become a bedtime classic! Sweet and charming, this book tells the story of a family who buy a new couch, but lose it from the top of their car on the way home. When it lands squarely in a roadside pasture. What follows is a hilarious game of trial and error as the pasture’s resident llama tries to makes sense of his new red-cushioned companion.

If you have a child at home who is chomping at the bit for the next Rick Riordan book (the third book in the Trials of Apollo series is due to arrive May 1), but can’t wait until next month, we have a solution for you! Continuing in the same vein as Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi is the first in a new fantasy series from a new imprint, Rick Riordan Presents. Twelve-year-old Aru Shah has been known to exaggerate her stories sometimes in order to fit in with the other kids at school, but when a few of her classmates try to catch her in a lie, she’s plunged into a world of Indian deities and an adventure that will change her life. From Jesse Andrews, the author of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, comes a brand new teen novel that is at once funny and thought-provoking. Munmun is set in a world very similar to our own, but with one major difference – the amount of money you have determines your physical size. When you’re littlepoor and smaller than a common rat, it’s not just the trials and tribulations of daily life that you have to worry about, but the very real danger of being stepped on or attacked by anything bigger than you. So when their house gets crushed, Warner and his sister Prayer must battle against all the odds to somehow earn more munmun and grow their way out of daily danger. Well known for her science fiction books for kids and teens, Margaret Peterson Haddix has now added contemporary teen novel to her repertoire with The Summer of Broken Things. Featuring a summer trip to Spain, some strange travel companions, and family secrets just waiting to be unveiled, this book is a perfect spring (or summer) read for fans of Sarah Dessen, Morgan Matson, and Kim Culbertson.

Unfortunately, our newsletter is only so long, and there are so many other new and forthcoming releases to discover and enjoy! Here are some of the ones we’re most excited about: Emergency Contact by Mary H. K. Choi, Tangerineby Christine Mangan, The Punishment She Deserves by Elizabeth George, The Temptation of Forgiveness by Donna Leon, Conviction by Kelly Loy Gilbert, Macbeth by Jo Nesbo (April 10), Master of Persuasion: Brian Mulroney’s Global Legacy by Fen Osler Hampson (April 10), Moon by Alison Oliver (April 10), Vi by Kim Thuy (April 10), The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman (April 17), The Boy on the Beach by Tima Kurdi (April 17), Belleweather by Susanna Kearsley (April 24), When We Were Birds by Maria Mutch (April 24), Full Disclosure by Beverley McLachlin (May 1), Love and Ruin by Paula McLain (May 1), The Game of Hope by Sandra Gulland(May 1).

Not to drive the metaphor home too hard, but spending time in the store over the last couple of weeks really has felt like watching a garden bloom. With bright new books arriving every day, getting that springy feeling inside is especially nice this year given what’s been going on outside. Thankfully though, despite the fact that there are a few groundhogs out there that have a lot to answer for, as book lovers we have the ultimate escape available to us. So, escape the chilly weather and pay us a visit to find solace inside our walls lined with great novels and riveting non-fiction.

Happy Reading!

— The Staff of Books on Beechwood

On My Shelf

Staff Member: Hilary
What I’m Reading: My Lady’s Choosing by Kitty Curran

“I have read a fair number of romance novels in my time, but this one is by far the funniest and most entertaining! This adult choose-your-own-adventure book will keep you occupied for ages as you star in your own story and make choice after choice to determine your own literary future. Will you end up living in the Highlands, taking care of wartime orphans? Ruling society as a very rich widow? Or maybe running around the Egyptian desert with your lady love? Only you can decide!”

 

March 2018 Newsletter

February Bestsellers

1. Trumpocracy by David Frum
2. Swing Time by Zadie Smith
3. The Mitford Murders by Jessica Fellowes
4. 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson
5. The Grave’s a Fine and Private Place by Alan Bradley
6. Lost Ottawa by David McGee
7. Mythos by Stephen Fry
8. A Time of Love and Tartan by Alexander McCall Smith
9. The Boat People by Sharon Bala
10. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

Greetings Book Lovers!

Welcome back to winter! The clocks may be springing ahead this weekend and Easter is only a couple of weeks away, but Mother Nature is not ready to let us tiptoe through the tulips quite yet. Despite the snow though, it’s not hard to smell the impending change of seasons in the air. It’s especially easy for all of us here at the store to sense the warm winds coming as we’re fresh off a trip to our local booksellers’ fair where we placed orders for all of our spring and summer books! So, we can now tell you with authority that there are lots of very exciting goodies to come in the next few months! That being said though, there’s no need to sit around and wait for forthcoming titles to hit the ground because there are still more great reads currently sleeping on our shelves, just waiting for you to discover them!

With spring just a hair’s breath away, we don’t just have new books arriving every day, but our in-store event train is getting up a running again. Kicking things off right, 2016 Giller Prize nominee Andrew Battershill will be in the store on Wednesday, March 28 from 6:00-8:00pm to launch his brand new novel, Marry, Bang, Kill. Featuring Tommy Marlo, a young man who mugs people solely for their laptops, this crime thriller will grab you on page one and keep ratcheting up the tension until it finally releases you from its thrall at the last possible moment. It’s an intense thrill ride that is not to be missed! For all the Book Club members and historical fiction fans out there, we have a special treat for you this month! On Thursday, March 29 from 5:00-7:00pm, Jean E. Pendziwol will be in the store to sign copies of her new book The Light-Keepers’ Daughters. Set along the coast of Lake Superior and exploring a family’s past through the pages of a journal, this fascinating novel is also our Book Club pick for March. So, now you won’t just have the chance to discuss the book amongst yourselves, but you will actually be able to talk to the author about it in person! We’re really looking forward to both these great events and we hope to see you all there!

In honour of this past week’s International Women’s Day, we’ve put together a wonderful collection of books about trail-blazing women of the past and barrier-breaking women of the present in an effort to inspire our daughters to become the ceiling-smashing women of the future. Of all the books that have been published in this vein recently, there are two in particular that have really tickled our fancy. Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World by Penelope Bagieu is a graphic novel style book written for teens which features a wide range of female role models (some world famous and some lesser-known), all of whom share, as the author puts it, the same indomitable spirit. Bright, bold, and incredibly unique, this book perfectly embodies the spirits of the women who occupy its pages. Spotlighting 29 bold and “difficult” women from modern history, Karen Karbo has gifted us with a book sure to inspire women both young and old alike. With profiles on household names like Hillary Clinton, Carrie Fisher, Lena Dunham, and Nora Ephron, In Praise of Difficult Women is a fascinating, entertaining read about how forging your own unique path in the world can lead to a more fulfilling life. Karbo is also the author of the bestselling Kick-Ass Women series which included books about Julia Child, Coco Chanel, Katherine Hepburn, and Georgia O’Keefe.

It’s not every day that you expect an emergency room doctor to also be a college-level English professor, never mind that he had penned a magical debut novel in the tradition of Lev Grossman and Deborah Harkness! This, however, is just what Tom Muller has done. The Philosopher’s Flight is set in an alternate early twentieth century America and tells the story of Robert Weekes, a young man who has only ever wanted to fly. Unfortunately for him, that particular type of magic, or empirical philosophy as it is called, is considered an arcane, female-dominated branch of science – a.k.a. no men allowed. But when Robert rises to the occasion during a violent tragedy and wins himself a scholarship to the traditionally all-women’s philosophy school, he encounters a whole new set of unexpected obstacles – not only a troublemaking group of anti-philosophy protestors but also an inconvenient case of first love with fellow student Danielle Hardin, a disillusioned hero of the Great War turned political radical. The Sea Beast Takes a Lover by Michael Andreasen is another debut fantasy offering that teaches us about our own existence with a unique and unexpected spin. Who would have thought that short stories about alien abductions, time travel, and mythical beasts could actually make us look at loss, guilt, and love in completely new ways? These charming stories are easy to dip into a bit at a time and will no doubt leave you pondering one of life’s great mysteries every time you extricate yourself from their pages. Elan Mastai, a screenwriter and debut author, has put together a clever, surprising story of sci-fi adventure in All Our Wrong Todays. People in the 1950s had some pretty interesting ideas of what the year 2016 was going to look like – something of a technological utopia complete with moving sidewalks, flying cars, and moon-bases. The funny thing is, for Tom, this is his reality. When a time travel accident causes him to land squarely in our own 2016 though, he must decide if this curious new world is the right one for him or if he needs to find a way to get back to his own reality.

Not to be outdone, there are some real winners leasing space in our children’s section right now too. Three of our favourite new picture books are The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld, Harriet Gets Carried Away by Jessie Sima, and Pandamonia by Chris Owen and Chris Nixon. As children (and often as adults too), when things don’t go the way you want them to, you don’t necessarily want to sit down and talk about it rationally, try to laugh it off and move on, or stomp and storm around until you feel better. Usually, you just want someone to sit and listen. This is exactly what happens in Cori Doerrfeld‘s adorable book. Not only does it teach children that there’s no one right or wrong way to react to a situation, but it will also make you wish you had your very own rabbit to hug and confide in. Harriet Gets Carried Away by Jessie Sima (the creator of the equally cute Not Quite Narwhal) is a bright, sweet story about a little girl who loves to dress up in funny costumes and play make-believe – she even has specific costumes for specific occasions! But when her over-exuberance results in a group of penguins physically carrying her home to the Antarctic, she has to befriend all kinds of different creatures in order to get back to her dads in time for her birthday party. Chris Owen and Chris Nixon have given us an instant classic in Pandamonia. Told in rhyming couplets, this charming story explains all the outrageous things that will happen at the zoo if you wake the panda from his nap. Full of bright, graphic illustrations, waking up the panda (or trying not to) will no doubt appeal to any child who fell in love with Mo Willems‘ Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus.

Roy MacGregor has been a household name in Ottawa, and in Canada at large, for a number of decades now. His bestselling Screech Owls mystery series for 8-12 year olds (a series over 20 books strong) still resonates strongly with young readers today. Now Roy, along with his daughter Kerry MacGregor, has embarked on a new writing adventure for children. Set to be another series, book one in the Ice Chips Series, The Ice Chips and the Magical Rink, centres once again on the sport of hockey, but this time adds an element of fantasy to the mix. What more could young hockey players wish for than to have a rink that can transport them through time to meet one of the game’s all-time greats? Inspired by true stories from real hockey legends, this lovely new series is sure to appeal to all children, whether they play the game or not. Midnight in the Piazza by Tiffany Parks is an exciting European mystery story set in the enchanting city of Rome. When Beatrice is forced to move to Italy because of her father’s new job, she’s not overly-enthused about the whole thing. Little does she know that local legends will soon peak her interest, and before she can say ciao, she will find herself trying to solve the case of the stolen statue with her new friend Marco. Maybe living in Rome won’t actually be the worst thing ever after all. Another debut, and an epic fantasy novel to boot, Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi is an intricate and fascinating read. Inspired by the mythology of West Africa, this young adult novel tells the story of Zelie, a young woman who lives in a land that once hummed with magic – a land now stripped bare by a ruthless king. With the help of a rogue princess, Zelie must set out on a dangerous journey to restore magic to her homeland and, at the same time, learn to control her own unpredictable fledgling powers.

If any of those kids or teen books strike your fancy, or if you’re just looking for some new books for your own children to read while they’re home during March Break, be sure to pop by the store this coming week to take advantage of our March Break Sale! From Monday, March 12 through to Sunday, March 18, all our children’s books will be 25% off! From picture books to board books, to early readers to teen books, and all manner of non-fiction, our kids section is the place to be this coming week! The sale will apply to in-stock items only (no special orders) and will not include puzzles or games.

As we’ve only just dipped our toes into the March book release waters, there are still lots of new titles due to arrive over the coming weeks. Here are some of the ones we’re most looking forward to: Zero Day by Ezekiel Boone (March 13), A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab (March 13), Conviction by Kelly Loy Gilbert (March 13), The Punishment She Deserves by Elizabeth George (March 20), Unicorn of Many Hats by Dana Simpson (March 20), The Italian Teacher by Tom Rachman (March 20), The Temptation of Forgiveness by Donna Leon (March 20), Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi (March 27), The Good Liar by Catherine McKenzie (April 3), Greeks Bearing Gifts by Philip Kerr (April 3), Munmun by Jesse Andrews (April 3), The Good Pilot Peter Woodhouse by Alexander McCall Smith (April 10), The Boy on the Beach by Tima Kurdi (April 17).

Playing host to March Break, the bulk of Lent, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter this year, it wouldn’t be surprising if March was having a serious identity crisis. With so many things going on, it’s hard to figure out how we’re really supposed to feel about this third month of 2018. Is it spring yet or is it still winter? Should we be thinking about what we’re going to plant in our gardens or forcing ourselves to keep that snow brush in the car just in case? It’s a month full of changes, but there’s no set time-frame for when those changes will happen. Thankfully, the book industry is (just) slightly more predictable than the weather and the changing seasons. So, if you’re looking for some stability this month, forget about the ups and downs happening outside and wander down to your favourite bricks-and-mortar hangout. We guarantee that you’ll love it – we’ve got books!!!

Happy Reading!

— The Staff of Books on Beechwood

Holiday Hours

We will be CLOSED on Friday, March 30 for Good Friday and on Sunday, April 1 for Easter.
Regular store hours will be in effect on Saturday, March 31 and we’ll be back to business as usual from Monday, April 2 onwards.

On My Shelf

Staff Member: Hilary
What I’m Reading: Songs of Love and War by Santa Montefiore

“Manor House. Family Secrets. Ireland. I think those are pretty much the best (and only) words needed to hook someone into this series. They certainly worked for me! I’m only partway through this first of three volumes (two and three are as yet unpublished), but to say it’s captured my imagination is an understatement. From the charming characters to the sophisticated prose to the beautiful setting, this historical saga will draw you in, chew you up, and spit you out…in a good way!”

 

February 2018 Newsletter

January Bestsellers

1. From Walk-Up to High-Rise by Heritage Ottawa
2. Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff
3. A Dangerous Crossing by Rachel Rhys
4. Lost Ottawa by David McGee
5. Trumpocracy by David Frum
6. The Pyramid of Mud by Andrea Camilleri
7. Munich by Robert Harris
8. 5 Ingredients by Jamie Oliver
9. Bellevue Square by Michael Redhill
10. Dog Man and Cat Kid by Dav Pilkey
Greetings Book Lovers!

Welcome to the second month of 2018! It might feel like we’re in the depths of winter still and that this cold, dark season will go on forever (despite what certain groundhogs may have said), but February is also a month full of hope, love, and joy. With upcoming Chinese New Year (the Year of the Dog) means there’s still time to fulfill (or make) your New Year’s Resolutions, celebrating Valentine’s Day mid-month reminds us that there is still love in the world no matter what the newscasters report, and here in Ottawa, the snow sculptures, ice slides, and Beavertails of Winterlude let us feel like children again! And, of course, there are always lots of new books just waiting to whisk you away to more temperate and enticing climes! So, cold and dreary it may be, but light, love, and warmth are not hard to find if you know where to look.

Though not technically taking place until March, readers and radio listeners were treated to the announcement of this year’s Canada Reads titles last week. Featuring a mixture of adult, teen, fiction, and non-fiction, anyone determined to read all five books before the debates start is in for a real treat. On the fiction front are American War by Omar El Akkad and The Boat People by Sharon Bala. Both novels touch on the subject of war – one on the act itself through a futuristic America in which a second Civil War has broken out, and the other on the after-effects as we share the experience of Sri Lankan refugees arriving in Canada after fleeing their own war-ravaged country only to be faced with suspicion and accusation. The lone young adult novel on this year’s list is The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline. Winner of the 2017 Governor General’s Award for Young People’s Literature Text, this dark fantasy set in a future North America finds this country’s indigenous people being hunted down for their bone marrow – the only thing that will restore the ability to dream to the rest of the population.

Holding up the flag for non-fiction this year are Craig Davidson‘s funny and heartfelt Precious Cargo, and Mark Sakamoto‘s heart-wrenching memoir, Forgiveness. In his timely and tender book, Davidson recounts his year spent driving a school bus for special needs children and how his precious cargo helped him overcome a dark and desperate time of his life. Centered around the Second World War, Sakamoto puts to paper what could be described as his own origin story as readers are guided through the lives of two of his grandparents, individuals once situated on opposite sides of a devastating conflict but brought together decades later by their children’s love for one another. Whether you want to read all the books before the debates start, or you’re more of a “wait and see” kind of person, we have all the Canada Readsbooks in stock right now for your browsing and buying pleasure!

If Canada Reads doesn’t float your boat, don’t panic! There are still countless other books populating the store right now that are just itching to go home with you. While it’s quite possible that you’ve already had your fill of ice this winter, if by chance you haven’t, why not pick up a copy of Out of the Ice by Australian author Ann Turner? This psychological thriller set in Antarctica is sure to chill you to the bone with its glacial setting, suspense-filled scenes, and unexpected twists. We’re getting cold just thinking about it! Following close on the heels of her great success with The Bookseller, Cynthia Swanson has gifted us with yet another mind-bending novel that will have you second-guessing yourself constantly. The Glass Forest is set in 1960 and tells the story of Angie Glass, a young newlywed who soon finds out that her in-laws are not quite as idyllic as she had always thought. Full of secrets, betrayals, and surprises, calling this new novel a page-turner might just be the understatement of the month! After rising to dizzying heights of success with her uncle, Julian Fellowes, on their great Downton Abbey adventure, Jessica Fellowes has settled into novel writing with The Mitford Murders. Revolving around a real unsolved murder from the 1920s, this murder mystery is perfect for fans of the classic whodunit by the likes of Agatha Christie, Jacqueline Winspear, and Christopher Fowler. Our in-house mystery expert has already read it and gives it five bloody daggers out of five!

For some of us, February is the month of love, and what better way to express the way you feel than through books? Matt Haig, the critically acclaimed author of a number of humourous novels including The Radleys and The Humans, has done it again! How to Stop Time is a sweet, funny, time travel novel in which centuries old Tom (he only looks 41) is forced to constantly reinvent himself due to a rare condition that causes him to live forever. When a faithful trip to the dog park one day threatens to break the one rule of extended life – never fall in love – Tom’s world begins to unravel and his life-long secret comes dangerously close to being revealed. Could this revelation mean the end of Tom’s ageless existence, or the beginning of the normal life he’s always dreamed of having? Like The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North meets The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley, How to Stop Time is a lovely story that will leave you with a wonderful sense of satisfaction as you finish reading the last page. It’s a well known fact that showing up to your ex’s wedding without a date is a recipe for disaster! This is the exact prospect that faces Drew Nichols when he turns to virtual stranger Alexa Monroe for help in Jasmine Guillory‘s debut novel, The Wedding Date. Finding a plus one in an elevator during a power outage may not be the most conventional way to secure a date, but even the most unlikely of beginnings can turn into something more. Now Drew and Alexa must decide, is what they’re feeling big enough to bridge all the gaps between them?

Sometimes, a true story can be so compelling that it reads just like a captivating novel. Such is the case with Brad Ricca‘s new book, Mrs. Sherlock Holmes. This fascinating tale of true crime introduces readers to Grace Hamuston, the first female District Attorney in the United States. Sitting at a time when women were still denied the right to vote, Hamuston turned her back on New York society life to become one of the nation’s greatest crime-solvers! What is time and how did we become so enslaved to it? This is one of the questions that Simon Garfield attempts to answer in his new book Timekeepers. From ancient times when we tracked the passing days and nights solely by the movement of the celestial bodies, to the present day where we just can’t seem to find enough time for anything, this in-depth look at the way humans’ relationship to time has changed over the centuries makes for a truly intriguing social history. On the subject of time, after a seemingly interminable wait, we finally have copies of Stephen Fry‘s Mythos in stock! Though the stories themselves are ancient in origin, at their core are moral lessons and timeless truths that can be applied to countless situations in this day and age. Don’t miss the chance to join this famous British comedian, actor, and writer on a mystical journey back through time, to the hallowed halls of Mount Olympus and the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean.

With so many new books arriving in the store every day, it’s virtually impossible to keep ahead of them, and definitely impossible to talk about all of them within the parameters of our monthly newsletter. So, here are a few more recent releases (and upcoming ones) that we look forward to telling you more about when you’re next in the store: S.T.A.G.S. by M.A. Bennett, The Grave’s a Fine and Private Place by Alan Bradley, Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson, The Bright Hour by Nina Riggs, A Time of Love and Tartan by Alexander McCall Smith (February 6), Tempests and Slaughterby Tamora Pierce (February 6), The Bookworm by Mitch Silver(February 13), Songs of Love and War by Santa Montefiore (February 13), How Not to Disappear by Claire Furniss (February 20), Kill the Angelby Sandrone Dazieri (February 20), Rooted in Evil by Ann Granger(February 27).

Traditionally, the first couple months of the new year are on the quiet side for retailers, so we don’t have any events to tell you about quite yet. But, rest assured, there are lots of things in the works. On the Titles@Table40 front, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for our March Newsletter in which we will be making an exciting announcement about our first dinner event of the season!

In the meantime, books are always the answer to any and all questions and quandaries in life, so throw off that shroud of new year uncertainty and beat the winter blues away with a trip to your favourite independent bookstore! We look forward to seeing you!

Happy Reading!

— The Staff of Books on Beechwood

January 2018 Newsletter

December Bestsellers

1. Lost Ottawa by David McGee
2. Potholes and Politics by John Graham
3. Bellevue Square by Michael Redhill
4. Christmas at the Vinyl Cafe by Stuart McLean
5. From Trudeau to Trudeau by Terry Mosher
6. Munich by Robert Harris
7. Diplomat, Dissident, Spook by Bill Warden
8. A Legacy of Spies by John Le Carre
9. From Walk-Up to High-Rise by Heritage Ottawa
10. Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
11. The River of Consciousness by Oliver Sacks
12. The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman
13. Les Parisiennes by Anne Sebba
14. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway by Greg Kinney
15. Lace Up by Jean-Marie Leduc
Greetings Book Lovers!

Happy New Year! We hope you’ve all had a good start to 2018!

It might be cold enough outside to freeze your Winnebago, but we here at Books on Beechwood have just finished conducting an official study that says going out in the cold is good for your health…as long as you’re dressed for it and are heading only as far as the bookstore. So before giving in to the desire to hibernate until spring, be sure to pay us a visit to check out what’s new and to fill in any gaps Santa may have left in your Christmas wish list.

As an added incentive for you to come through our door this month, we will be having our Annual Inventory Sale on in stock items only from now until Saturday, January 20. So, for the next couple of weeks, all books will be 25% off, 2018 calendars will be 40% off, greeting cards will be 25% off, and all games, mugs, puzzles, and other gift items will be 30% off! Items exempted from the sale include CDs, DVDs, magazines, special orders, and the Globe and Mail. To mark the end of our sale, we will be CLOSED on Sunday, January 21 for our annual stock-taking. Regular store hours will resume on Monday, January 22. So, if there’s a special book or game you’ve been eyeing, now it the ideal time to make it an official member of your family!

After taking a break in December, our Book Club is back at it for January! This month’s book, The Chosen Maiden by Eva Stachniak, is a historical novel that explores the lives of the Nijinsky siblings and their very different journeys through the world of ballet in early 20th Century Russia. Moving forward through the winter months, the Book Club will be reading Zadie Smith‘s Swing Time in February and The Light-Keeper’s Daughters by Jean E. Pendziwol in March. New book club members are always welcome, and can sign up by calling or e-mailing us at the store. For more information on meeting times and places for the next few months, check out the Book Club section on our website. There are two sessions each month, but attendees need only go to one and can select whichever date is most convenient for them. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting!

January tends to be a bit of a quieter time of year for retailers, but thankfully the publishing industry never takes a break! Even now, in the depths of winter, new books continue to roll into the store on a daily basis. We just received a surprise treat for all the kids out there: Dog Man and Cat Kid by Dav Pilkey. This fourth book in the Dog Man series finds our canine hero setting his nose to work on another mind-boggling mystery with his new furry feline sidekick, Cat Kid. With the same eye-popping colour and zany style as Pilkey’s earlier series, Captain Underpants, this fun graphic novel series is guaranteed to be a big hit with boys and girls, both young and old!

We’ve also welcomed a number of thrilling and chilling novels into our midst over the last couple of weeks, just in time for the arrival of the long dark. Store favourite Andrea Camilleri has given us yet another Inspector Montalbano mystery in The Pyramid of Mud. This new novel finds our intrepid Italian inspector knee deep in a new case (as well as mud) as he tries to solve a murder on an empty construction site plagued by more than just dead bodies. Mystery juggernaut Peter May continues to garner praise and followers with his many dark and atmospheric mystery series, and we expect response to The Firemaker to be no different. This first book in The China Thrillers series features devoted Beijing detective Li Yan and is sure to please long time fans while continuing to gather new fans into the fold.

Discovering a new author or book series can bring readers just as much joy as revisiting old standbys, so we’re very excited to have so many brand new debut novels in stock right now. Creeping from the world of journalism into the world of publishing, Jane Harper has already earned critical acclaim for her debut mystery, The Dry. Now out in paperback, this riveting story finds FBI Agent Aaron Falk back in his hometown for the funeral of his childhood friend, twenty years after being run out of town alongside his father. As old wounds are reopened and long buried secrets come to light, it becomes apparent to Aaron that sometimes in order to go forwards, you first have to go back. A.J. Finn is another journalist turned debut novelist with the publication of The Woman in the Window, a psychological thrill-ride great for fans of Alfred Hitchcock and the Film Noir genre. When a recluse in New York sees something she shouldn’t from her window, her world quickly crumbles around her, revealing shocking secrets and causing her to question everything she thought she knew.

With a slight dystopian bent to it, The Wolves of Winter by newbie novelist Tyrell Johnson, is the story of one woman’s struggle for survival in a post nuclear war world. Forced to forage in the Yukon wilderness to support herself and her family, Lynn McBride must decide what she’s truly capable of when a mysterious fugitive arrives on her doorstep, trailing enemies from her past behind him. Back in 1939, if you wanted to leave your past behind, boarding an ocean liner bound for Australia was a pretty good way to do it. This is the situation Lily Shepherd finds herself in in the Agatha Christie-esque novel Dangerous Crossing by Rachel Rhys. Even as the cocktails are being poured and the band is playing well into the night, tensions are rising among the ship’s passengers until the glamour begins to fade and then the unthinkable happens. When the ship finally docks, there are two dead passengers on board, a declaration of war has been made, and Lily knows that even thousands of miles of open ocean isn’t enough to keep her past at bay.

No matter how excited we are about the books that we have in stock right now, we have to save a little of our enthusiasm for all the great titles that have yet to hit the ground. Here are a few that we’re looking forward to getting our hands on: Winter by Ali Smith (January 9), the second book in her quartet which began with Autumn; The Mitford Murders by Jessica Fellowes (January 23) of Downton Abbey fame; This Fallen Prey by Kelley Armstrong (January 30), the third installment of her Rockton Series, followup to City of the Lost and A Darkness Absolute; The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (February 6), the acclaimed author of The Nightingale.

Finally, keep an eye on our newsletter, Facebook page, and website in coming weeks and months to learn about all the different events we will be hosting in and out of the store through the rest of the winter. We may not have any Titles@Table40 events to tell you about just yet, but never fear! Our ever popular dinner series will be back in the spring, so stay tuned!

After enjoying a holiday season full of hustle and bustle, the over-stimulation of family gatherings, and maybe one too many eggnogs, it’s not hard to convince ourselves to spend the first two months of this new year hibernating in order to recharge our emotional and physical batteries. While we here at Books on Beechwood are big proponents of cocooning ourselves under cozy blankets with our favourite books, even the most die-hard bookworm needs some bracing winter air every now and then. So, be sure to stop by – it’s a little known fact that while books may not look like blankets, they’ll keep you ten times warmer!

Wishing you a Happy New Year and Happy Reading!

— The Staff at Books on Beechwood

December 2017 Newsletter

The Books on Beechwood
Top Ten Books of 20171. Lost Ottawa by David McGee
2. From Trudeau to Trudeau by Terry Mosher
3. An ABC of Ottawa by Miriam Bloom
4. Alice MacKenzie by Mark Curfoot-Mollington
5. The Witches of New York by Ami McKay
6. Crying for the Moon by Mary Walsh
7. Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood
8. Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
9. A Legacy of Spies by John Le Carre
10. Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
Greetings Book Lovers!

The weather outside may not quite be frightful, but the inside of the store is looking delightful! Our shelves are packed tight with books, games, mugs, toys, CDs, puzzles, and seasonal goodies for all your shopping needs, and our staff are all geared up to help you – and all the Santas out there – find the perfect gift for everyone on your list!

As we announced in our mini newsletter last week, we will soon be celebrating the season in classic book style with our Twelve Days of Penguin Random House Christmas! Starting on Wednesday, December 13, we will be featuring one Penguin Random House title at 30% off per day until Christmas Eve. Hitting some of this year’s book publishing highlights, our Twelve Days has a little something for everyone on your shopping list – the history buff, the fantasy lover, the spymaster, the baker, the YA fan, and the one who loves all things Christmas! Scroll down for a full list of titles and mark your calendars for this coming Wednesday when we’ll be kicking things off with The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman!

With so many books to choose from, it’s always hard to find that perfect read for the ones we love – or ourselves, for that matter. Luckily, there’s nothing we enjoy more, here at the store, than helping our customers find exactly what they’re looking for! So we thought we would highlight one top holiday pick each here, to give you all some inspiration before making your way down to the store.

Antoinette’s Pick:
Brother by David Chariandy
This is the story of two brothers growing up in Scarborough, Ontario where a wrong choice or move with local police can change many lives. It’s at once tender, heartbreaking, and poetic.

Bridget’s Pick:
Les Parisiennes by Anne Sebba
This book is a rich, insightful and fascinating look at the lives of women during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Some we know – Coco Chanel, Elizabeth de Rothschild, Jeanne Lanvin – and many will be revealed in all their complexity. Sebba rejects depicting the occupation as a black and white situation but a time of constant moral ambiguity. This is popular social history at its best.

David’s Pick:
Dark Run by Mike Brooks
Reminiscent of Firefly, this is a quick read in the classic space opera style. It features a maverick captain and his assorted crew and their adventures across space.

Hilary’s Pick:
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling (ages 8-12)
This is perfection in book form! Funny, strong, charming, and sweet, Aven will steal your heart even as she makes you laugh till your sides split. This is easily my favourite book of the year!

Jill’s Pick:
Jane Austen: The Banker’s Sister by E.J. Clery
Janites and non-Janites alike will enjoy reading about the relationship between Jane and her banker brother, Henry, who supported and encouraged his sister in her determination to become a published author.

Stephanie’s Pick:
Three Pleasures by Terry Watada
It’s the 1940’s in Vancouver, the Japanese have bombed Pearl Harbour, and racial tensions are building. This is an intimate and passionate novel concerning a painful period in Canadian history.

Dickon’s Pick:
Dog Bingo
No, it’s not a book, but Dickon really isn’t much of a reader. He played this at a friend’s cottage over the summer and loved it. You match dog breeds (with pictures and descriptions) rather than numbers and letters. It’s a perfect family present and he begrudgingly thinks you should know that there are Cat, Bird, Bug, and Royal Family editions too.

Once you’ve finished your holiday shopping, if the thought of then sitting down and wrapping all your gifts has got you down, never fear! We can help you there too! As in previous years, we will be offering free Christmas wrapping for your bookstore purchases from now until Christmas Eve. Choose between festive wrapping papers and holiday themed gift bags for all your seasonal goodies! The availability of this service will depend on how busy our staff are at the time, but you can always leave your purchases with us and we will be happy to have them wrapped for you by the following day. On the other hand, if you’re like some of our staff and can’t think of anything you’d enjoy more than wrapping and decorating presents, don’t forget that we have some lovely rolls of gift wrap for sale in the store as well!

Even at this time of year, there are still new titles arriving every day and we’re busily sending out orders to keep our shelves stocked with all the highlights of the season, plus our staff favourites, of course! The deadlines for our final Christmas orders are fast approaching, so be sure to get your requests in soon so your special gift is safely wrapped and sitting under the tree come Christmas morning.

To further enhance your shopping experience, we’ll be observing some slight changes in our hours over the next two weekends. On Saturday, December 16 and 23, we’ll be open from 9:30am to 6:00pm and on Sunday, December 17, we’ll be open from 11:00am to 6:00pm. On Christmas Eve, we’ll be opening our doors at 9:00am and will be on site to help with any of your last-minute gift buying until 3:00pm.

It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached December already! As the old saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun! And there’s no denying that we have a lot of fun at the store every day! We’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the wonderful support you’ve given us over the last year. It’s only with loyal customers like you that independent businesses like ours can survive, and we can’t thank you enough for continuing to make our store a part of your daily life

From our bookstore family to yours, we wish you all a very merry Christmas, a happy holiday season, and a healthy and prosperous new year!

Happy Reading!

— The Staff at Books on Beechwood
The Twelve Days of Penguin Random House Christmas

Wednesday, December 13: The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman
Thursday, December 14: Lost in September by Kathleen Winter
Friday, December 15: All We Leave Behind by Carol Off
Saturday, December 16: Feast by Lindsay Anderson
Sunday, December 17: Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
Monday, December 18: A Legacy of Spies by John Le Carre
Tuesday, December 19: Vimy by Tim Cook
Wednesday, December 20: Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
Thursday, December 21: Artemis by Andy Weir
Friday, December 22: Sweet by Yotam Ottolenghi
Saturday, December 23: Munich by Robert Harris
Sunday, December 24: Christmas at the Vinyl Cafe by Stuart McLean

On My Shelf

Staff Member: Hilary
What I’m Reading: Sweet by Yotam Ottolenghi
“With Christmas fast approaching, I’m sure I’m not the only one with baking on the brain! Always on the hunt for new recipes, I found this book a real treat to browse and bake from. Full of elegant and tasty recipes, this newest offering from the incredible Yotam Ottolenghi gets this baker’s two thumbs up! Look out Chocolate and Peanut Butter S’mores, here I come!”

September 2017 Newsletter

August Bestsellers

1. The Witches of New York by Ami McKay
2. Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
3. Glass Houses by Louise Penny
4. By Gaslight by Steven Price
5. Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood
6. Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien
7. Nutshell by Ian McEwan
8. A Little Apple Cookbook by Susan Hallett
9. The House at the Edge of Night by Catherine Banner
10. Conclave by Robert Harris
Greetings Book Lovers!

September is here and seems to be trying to make some kind of seasonal point – summer is over and fall has arrived! While we’re sad to see the “warm” sunny days disappear, there’s something pretty special about this time of year. From the turning of the leaves to the shortening days, the smell of freshly sharpened pencils hanging in the air to the unquenchable urge to buy school supplies. Like the squirrels and chipmunks we see running around storing up nuts for the winter, the cooler weather reminds us that it’s time to feather our own nests in preparation for the cold season to come – and what better material to use than books?

Fall is a very big season for book releases and events as we slowly march towards that most sparkly of holidays in late December. As such, we have a great lineup of store events to tell you about. First off, our Titles@Table40series is back for another season! We’re so excited to be kicking things off with one of our local favourites, Frances Itani. Bringing her Desoronto Series to a close, she will be joining us for dinner on Sunday, September 10 to talk about her brand new novel That’s My Baby. A long-time friend of Books on Beechwood, Frances is a wonderful author and a beautiful speaker. Anyone attending this event is in for a real treat! On Wednesday, October 11, we will be playing host to Newfoundland author and Titles@Table40 newbie, Wayne Johnston. He will be talking to us about his new novel, First Snow Last Light. Now in store, this new novel follows the story of a young boy who arrives home from school one day to find his house empty and his parents gone. Unsure of what’s happened to them – Murder? Suicide? Abandonment? – young Ned’s life from then on is steered by his desire to discover the truth. Leading our fall Titles@Table40 lineup right into the holiday season, whisky expert Davin de Kergommeaux is coming by on Sunday, November 26 to teach us about great Canadian whiskies. His new book, Canadian Whisky: The New Portable Companion, is a concise and detailed spirit bible for anyone who enjoys capping off their day with a wee peaty dram. Tickets are now available for all three of these events, so be sure to call or visit us soon to book yours!

Here’s a reminder of how our dinner events work.
The evening starts at 5:30pm with dinner, followed by the author presentation and book signing. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the bookstore. The non-refundable cost is $60.00 which includes the cost of the meal (a set menu of three courses with a vegetarian option), tax and tip. All beverages are extra and will be charged at the end of the evening. The Fraser Cafe can accommodate all special dietary needs if informed in advance.

In addition to our dinner series, we have a fun new crop of book signings happening in the store over the next month. Local author Jennifer Cook will be here on Sunday, September 10 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm to launch her new children’s picture book Amazon Jungle Adventure. Inspired by travels in her own life, the story follows two children as they travel to the Amazon, make new friends, experience new things, and explore a beautiful and intriguing part of the world. Full of brightly coloured illustrations, this charming story is sure to become a bedtime favourite! Gita Baack is going to be paying us a visit on Sunday, September 17 to sign copies of The Inheritors: Moving Forward from Generational Trauma from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. In addition to the book itself, the accompanying journal will also be available so readers can record any of their questions, thoughts, and feelings as they continue on their own journeys. On Thursday, September 28, Christopher Levenson will be in the store for a poetry reading! The evening starts at 7:00pm and he will be reading from his newest book of poetry, A Tattered Coat Upon a Stick. Closing out the month, one of our top-selling local authors, Elie Nasrallah, will be in the store from 11:00am to 4:00pm to sign copies of his book Hostage to History. Taking a brief peek into the first week of October, be sure to stop by the store on Wednesday, October 4 between 6:30pm and 8:00pm to meet local mystery author Mike Martin. He will be here launching his brand new Sergeant Windflower novel, A Tangled Web, set once again in the beautiful province of Newfoundland. Finally, Margaret Southall will be in the store on Saturday, October 7 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm to sign copies of her brand new novel A Jacketing Concern.

We know people hate hearing about Christmas this early in the fall, but it’s hard not to get at least a little excited about what lies ahead when we have so many exciting new books pouring into the store. Peter Jones, the classicist who’s brought us such quirky histories as Veni, Vidi, Vici: Everything You Wanted to Know About the Romans But Were Afraid to Ask and Eureka!: Everything You Wanted to Know About the Ancient Greeks But Were Afraid to Ask, has done it yet again with his new book, Quid Pro Quo: What the Romans Really Gave the English Language. Exploring the original meanings and stories behind hundreds of everyday words, readers get real insight into just how much the English language owes to the ancient Romans and the different ways they communicated. Another one for the history buff, 1066 and Before All That by Ed West. The first in a new series in which each volume is branded as A Very, Very Short History of England, this book clocks in at just 184 pages and delves into the background of what is, arguably, one of the most famous dates in history. Over the next six months, we have four more Ed West books to look forward to: Saxons vs. Vikings, 1215 and All That, England in the Age of Chivalry…and Awful Diseases, and My Kingdom for a Horse.

For anyone who enjoyed 2014’s What If? by Randall Munroe, the next science book on your reading list should be We Have No Idea by Jorge Cham and Daniel Whiteson. Full of the same tongue-in-cheek jokes and hilarious drawings, this new book sets out to explain real scientific concepts to science-savvy and laymen alike, using humour and amusing diagrams. James T. Costa‘s new book, Darwin’s Backyard, follows the life of famous scientist and explorer, Charles Darwin. Part biography, part scientific history, this book not only lays out how Darwin experimented on different biological matter until he was able to prove his theory of evolution, but it also gives us a glimpse into his private life, touching on his marriage, chronic illness, and the loss of three of his children. If you’re having trouble facing up to the fact that winter is coming, pick up a copy of Felicity Trotman‘s new collection of writings about our coldest season of the year. Winter is full of classic and contemporary pieces of fiction and non-fiction that will no doubt inspire some appreciation for the stark beauty of the season and perhaps help you look forward to the chilly months to come.

Like a cocoon bursting open to reveal the beautiful butterfly inside, our store is pleasantly stuffed with colourful new fiction! From highly anticipated, big-name releases like Louise Penny‘s Glass Houses and John Le Carre‘s A Legacy of Spies, to slightly lesser known titles like Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin and Sourdough by Robin Sloan, there really is something for everyone. All is Beauty Now by Sarah Faber is a beautiful story about overcoming loss and nurturing hope for a better future. Set in Brazil in 1962, this novel takes readers on a trip through opulent private clubs, poor fishing villages, and over international waters as one family struggles to move on from the mysterious loss of their oldest child. If you liked Ami McKay‘s The Witches of New Yorkand can’t wait for Alice Hoffman‘s Practical Magic prequel, The Rules of Magic to be published in October, be sure to check out Louisa Morgan‘s brand new novel, A Secret History of Witches. Spanning five generations of women, it’s a truly magical, family saga. Are you lamenting the loss of Downton Abbey? Chomping at the bit for the next season of The Crown? Why not tide yourself over with Elizabeth Day‘s new novel? Full of privilege, hypocrisy, lies, and betrayals, The Party shines a spotlight on the very heart of the British establishment – a juicy and endlessly fascinating topic! Victoria Whitworthgives us a slightly different look at Britain by bringing us back to the year 859 and a time before the Norman Conquests in Daughter of the Wolf. Beautifully packaged with a built in ribbon page marker, this wonderfully satisfying novel is a historical tale full of deadly rivalries, powerful conspiracies, and strong women. It’s a great pick for lovers of Sharon Kay Penman, Sandra Gulland, Patricia A. McKillip, and Diana Gabaldon.

It’s finally September and that means that one of our absolute favourite reads of the year, Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling, is finally here! Centered around a young girl named Aven, this is a story about overcoming adversity, being true to yourself, and accepting people for who they are. Funny, charming, and heart warming, this book is a must read for kids and adults alike! From the acclaimed author of The Mysterious Benedict Society comes The Secret Keepers, a brand new story of adventure and magic. Set in motion by the discovery of a unique antique watch, Trenton Lee Stewart‘s newest novel finds a young boy shuttled from secret to secret until he’s faced with the toughest decision of his life to date – should he stay true to his innately honest nature or give in to the lure of becoming a hero? For a dose of cute, sweet, and a bit of cold wet nose, be sure to check out Catherine Lloyd Burns‘ book, The Good, the Bad & the Beagle. In this, her first book for young readers, Burns explores the trials and tribulations of childhood through the love a young girl for her dog. It’s a lovely, adorable read for anyone who’s ever asked “how much is that doggy in the window?” As one of Scholastic’s most highly-anticipated teen books since Suzanne Collins‘ bestselling series, Vikki Vansickle‘s new fantasy thriller, The Winnowing, is one to watch out for! It is sure to capture the hearts of anyone who loved The Hunger Games and Lois Lowry‘s classic, The Giver.

Despite all the great titles that we’ve already got in store, there are always lots more treasures to come. Here are some of the ones we’re most looking forward to welcoming into the fold over the next few weeks: Therefore Choose Life: The Found Massey Lectures by George Wald (September 9), A Column of Fire by Ken Follett (September 12), Lost in September by Kathleen Winter (September 12), The Scarred Woman by Jussi Adler-Olsen (September 19), The School for Good and Evil #4: Quests for Glory by Soman Chainani(September 19), All We Leave Behind by Carol Off (September 19), The Seagull by Ann Cleeves (September 26), The Gifts of Reading by Robert Macfarlane (September 26), Lightfoot by Nicholas Jennings (September 26), Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan (October 3), Dunbar by Edward St. Aubyn (October 3), Turtles All The Way Down by John Green (October 10).

With the days at the cottage numbered and the kids back at school, there’s no doubt that fall is a season of change. As we watch the birds start to fly south, the daylight hours slip away, and the leaves take on their seasonal auburn sheen, there’s nothing we’d rather be doing than lining up what books we’re going to read next. We’ve always thought that there’s something very special about sitting on a sunny patio, nursing a spiced latte, with a scarf wrapped around your neck and a great book in your hand! Just a friendly suggestion from you local, neighbourhood book experts!

Happy Reading!

— The Staff at Books on Beechwood